Vernon Miles | FFXnow

New study analyzes potential Tysons-Maryland transit connections on Beltway’s south side

Published February 2, 2023 at 3:15PM

Potential long-term service expansion along I-495 Express Lanes (image via Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation)

The Fairfax Board of Supervisors recently got a preview of what future transit connections between Tysons and Maryland could look like.

At a transportation committee meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 31), Todd Horsley, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s director of Northern Virginia Transit Programs, presented a study of how transit could make use of the I-495 Express Lanes being extended from Springfield across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

News

Fairfax County gets funds to preserve historically significant map marking Alexandria boundaries

By Vernon Miles

Published February 1, 2023 at 3:15PM | Updated March 4, 2024 at 3:55PM

Part of the West End annexation map (image via Fairfax County)

A newly awarded grant will help the Fairfax County Circuit Court preserve some historical records dating back to the 18th century, including one map that laid out the battlefield in a small legal war between the county and Alexandria City.

The 4-foot-long, 3-foot-tall Alexandria Annexation Map was impossible to fully photograph in its entirety because of its rough shape, but restoration work should help clear it up, said Heather Bollinger, the historic records manager at the Fairfax County Historic Records Center.

News

Public feedback sought on redesign of Telegraph Road in Franconia

By Vernon Miles

Published January 31, 2023 at 11:45AM

Telegraph Road and Hayfield Road (via Google Maps)

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is looking for public feedback on some planned improvements — including a potential widening — for a stretch of Telegraph Road in Franconia.

The goal of the project is to cut down on congestion along the busy road as well as improve pedestrian mobility.

Countywide

Fairfax County is building a COVID-19 memorial and looking for artists to contribute

By Vernon Miles

Published January 30, 2023 at 3:00PM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:38PM

An FCPS employee gets vaccinated against COVID-19 at an Inova clinic in January 2021 (photo by Karen Bolt/Fairfax County Public Schools)

Fairfax County is looking for artists to contribute to a COVID-19 memorial.

The project is spearheaded by ArtsFairfax, the county’s official arts agency, after planning started nearly a year ago.

News

Safety improvements planned for ‘disaster’ streetscape along Columbia Pike

By Vernon Miles

Published January 25, 2023 at 11:00AM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:39PM

Columbia Pike between Backlick Road and Tom Davis Drive (image via Google Maps)

A stretch of roadside along Columbia Pike referred to as a “disaster” in a recent meeting — near where four people were struck by a driver last year — could be getting some safety-focused upgrades.

On Monday (Jan. 23), Fairfax County presented plans for a “Complete Streets” overhaul for a section of Columbia Pike from Backlick Run to Tom Davis Drive. The project involves the construction of a new 6-foot-wide sidewalk and a high-visibility crosswalk at Tom Davis Drive, along with ADA-compliant curb ramps and a 6-foot-wide strip of landscaping.

Countywide

Poll: Are you ‘all in’ on a potential Fairfax County casino?

By Vernon Miles

Published January 23, 2023 at 9:30AM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:39PM

Casino (image via Kvnga/Unsplash)

A new set of bills before the General Assembly would allow a casino to be built somewhere along the Silver Line corridor, Washington Business Journal first reported.

The casino could be placed somewhere around Tysons, the Reston Town Center or Herndon based on the stipulations of the proposed legislation, which would allow a casino in an urban county with at least 1 million residents.

Countywide

DMV report confirms ‘startling increase’ in pedestrian fatalities for region, led by Fairfax County

By Vernon Miles

Published January 20, 2023 at 11:45AM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:39PM

Flowers and a balloon left on Blake Lane, site of a car crash on Tuesday that killed two Oakton High School students (photo by Amy Woolsey)

A new report from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) found a “startling increase” in the number of pedestrian fatalities in Northern Virginia last year.

Along with the increase in pedestrian fatalities, DMV found a smaller increase in overall traffic-related fatalities in the region.

Around Town

New tabletop game center in Fairfax promises an ambitious experiment in professional roleplaying

By Vernon Miles

Published January 19, 2023 at 11:45AM | Updated January 19, 2023 at 8:09PM

Game table for The Dragons Concord (image via The Dragons Concord/Facebook)

Shrouded within the mists of Fairfax Centre, a new world is being born.

Tables with exciting new technology are being set into place. Permits are being sought within the labyrinth of Fairfax County’s bureaucracy. A games store unlike any other in the region is being forged.

Countywide

FCPS proposed budget to add middle school athletics to Fairfax County

By Vernon Miles

Published January 18, 2023 at 3:45PM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:40PM

Fairfax County Public Schools (file photo)

The new Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) budget could signal big changes for local schools, including extended availability of school counselors and new middle school athletics programs.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented the budget for the 2023-2024 school year at a meeting last Thursday (Jan. 12).

Around Town

Chocolate Lovers Festival returning to Fairfax for the first time since the pandemic

By Vernon Miles

Published January 13, 2023 at 10:15AM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:40PM

Heart shape platter of chocolates (image courtesy City of Fairfax)

A local festival celebrating all things chocolatey is making a comeback in the City of Fairfax.

The Chocolate Lovers Festival is scheduled to launch the weekend before Valentine’s Day, running from Friday, Feb. 3, through Sunday, Feb. 4. This is the first time the festival has been held since the start of the pandemic.